[Bored of Audi]

So may current BM is coming to an end, it goes back in the next few weeks. My car is on contract hire and as normal the company who takes it comes for a microscopic inspection a week beofre collection.

I have looked after the car as normal and it is in realy good condition so I am not worried. I have never had charges for the last 3 contract hire cars.

Howerer I have a small bulge in the front LH side in my tyre. The guidlines state it must be legal (tread is just legal) and no damage to the side walls which I take as the rubber (there is no damage no the rubber) any idea if this will fail the inspection.

You try and speak to alphabet etc and they dont get involved to be honest.

The tread is only .5mm above the limit so they will have to replace the tyre anyway but I can see me having to forkout for a new tyre and then they will no doubt get them at a premium cost (stealers tried to charge me 400 when I can find them less than 300) compared to what I have found them at. Any one been in this sitaution?

[NotGotABimmer23]

Thats damage to sidewall imo. Could you find a part (mostly) worn tyre to put on?

[teaston]

How can there be "a bulge in the sidewall" but "no damage to the rubber"? Those two statements appear to be completely contradictory!

[RobUK]

I would definitely take "no damage to the side walls" as no cuts, tears, splits, foreign objects or bulges in the sidewall of the tyre. Think of it from the point of view of the guy who comes to collect the car - they don't want their guy driving a car with a bulge in the tyre, in fact I'd think he could refuse to drive it on that basis.

Seen lots of cheap part-worn RFTs on fleabay. (Searched on 'part worn runflat bmw'). Good luck

[Roo12]

I had the same before mine went back and put a part worn on the day before collection - £40 if I remember

[Bored of Audi]

Thank guys for this a 1nd hand tyre is required.


Yes I did contradict myself in terms of damage to the rubber in the fact I have no doubt the properties of the rubber has changed and I meant there were cuts, tears, splits, foreign objects.

Fleebay it is !

[Jeff123]

You might not need eBay. Phone some of the smaller tyre places nearby who specialise in part-worn tyres. Really, you want a virtually worn out one thats still legal, so it could be something that these companies are about to throw out.

Win/Win if you can find one.

[ZeroFx]

i currently have a rip in my sidewall which was making the grinding noise. it came from a bulge in the tyre which must have come from a pot hole. the tire is air tight currently so works fine but i have 2 replacement rear tyres to be fitted when i can be arsed to take it in.

If its a rear 19 inch then i might have one for you if you want it from the other side of the car with 2mm+

[Bored of Audi]

Thanks guys and for the offer, 20inch rims this side found one on eBay but I will have a ring round tomorrow